What I Saw at Training Camp: Offense, Day Three

Day three has come and gone. The players got into pads for the first time today and were able to get some hits in. Here's what we saw on the offensive side of the ball.

Counting on Chris

In years past, Rex Ryan has put some of his veterans on "pitch counts" to protect them from an unfortunate training camp injury that would derail their ability to contribute during the regular season. Kellen Winslow saw a limited number of reps last year. This year Chris Johnson and new linebacker Jason Babin are both working on such arrangements.

When asked today about specifics of Johnson's rotation, coach Rex Ryan demurred to answer pointedly, but was willing to say that "there is a plan" for the amount of work they put on Johson. While nothing's official, an arragement like two days on and one day off might be what is in store for the veteran running back and hopeful playmaker for the Jets.

While Johnson sat, Bilal Powell saw a lot of work with the ones and twos and is taking advantage of it. Powell demonstrated good speed and evasiveness on some runs to the perimeter. Powell also had a nifty move in which he avoided a would-be tackler on a pass to the flat. Powell's solid day wasn't limited to offense. He also received lots of praise from special teams coaches on a kick coverage play where he read the play extemely well and overpowered the blocker, thereby allowing others to get set up for a quick "stop" of the kick returner.

Quarterbacks keeping Decker busy

Complements are nice, but targets are better and the Jets quarterbacks have been keeping Eric Decker busy so far in camp.

"He seems to be getting a lot of action." Rex smiled when asked about what he thinks so far of Eric Decker. "The ball is finding him and that's a good thing ... when you get open you get a lot of opportunities and he's gotten a lot of opportunities"

It seems to be Decker's technique and functional strength that makes him such a enticing target for the Jets quarterbacks. He runs precisely and his feet are smooth in and out of his breaks, he stems well and does an excellent works the top of his routes

While there's a lot of talk about his feet, rookie receiver Shaq Evans told me that it is Decker's hands that impress him most.

"He has strong hands," Evans said. "Even if a guy is all over him he knows how to snatch it and just keep it away from him and keep it locked in his hands. [Defensive backs] are always going to try and rake it out of his hands and they are never going to get it."

Rex echoed that sentiment when asked a follow up about Decker's technique. "He gets separation, even though he's not ... the fastest guy." Rex told repoters. "There are some fast guys that can't get separation."

"Michael Irvin was quoted saying 'I don't have to run what he runs, he has to run what I run.' And I think that sometimes that's why you see a guy that maybe doesn't have that 4.2 speed or 4.3 speed, still make big plays."

Colon "real close" to return to field

While Rex said today that guard Willie Colon is "real close" to a return, he's not there just yet.

"We think that Willie's real close to coming off of [the physically unable to perform list]," Rex told reporters today.

But with Colon still sidelined on the PUP, the Jets have been experimenting with their guard spots by moving around their second and third best guards Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi to experiment and see who is best equipped to be the starter.

"[Willie is] not out there now so what you're doing is flipping them. Maybe your guy is a starting left guard or maybe the guy's a swing guard. But if there's true competition you don't know who that starter is right now. You're giving guys a chance to compete and that's what they're trying to do."

So while Winters seems the likely starter, Rex offered up today that Oday Aboushi "keeps jumping out at me" and due to his progress as a player since last season in becoming a better "more physical" player.

With Willie out, the Jets are getting a good look at evaluating both Aboushi and Winters and adding Colon only makes the group better. It will be interesting to see how the reps get divided once Colon comes back.

Lightning round

More solid routes and catches today from Jalen Saunders, Rex picked him out in particular as a player he likes

Stephen Hill had another nice sideline reception right at the sticks from Geno Smith, doing a great job of controlling his body to keep his feet in bounds but get the first down.

Hakim has been looking good for the team and catching a number of nice passes, but he is also doing a good job on special teams of getting downfield quickly as a flyer.

Acrobatic deep catch by Gates from Geno over Milliner. Hoots from the crowd. "He's all the way back" glowed Rex during the presser.

Greg Salas had a very nice catch in traffic in which he did a great job of asserting himself and getting to the ball first and hanging onto it.

Jacoby Ford with a slick wheel route catch with the twos. His speed and his body control to turn up field quickly was very impressive.

Shaq Evans keeps getting a little better day by day. He had a great deep catch that was thrown by Tajh Boyd with Brandon Dixon in coverage.

Jets' offseason needs: Shopping or drafting QB1?

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: The Jets started over last offseason and actually built themselves a nice core of talent. They have many young, inexpensive players they can build around this spring.

They certainly have the tools to build around them - perhaps as much as $100 million in cap room, the sixth overall pick in the draft, and some extra picks too. And that's good, because even though the Jets exceeded expectations last season, they were still 5-11, and have plenty of holes to fill.

Now, as they get ready to begin Phase 2 of their rebuilding project, here's a look at their biggest needs.

Which cornerbacks could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 16 | 5:30PM

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(Trevor Ruszkowski)

Bent, theJetsBlog.comFollow on Twitter: Cornerback is one position where the Jets obviously need to upgrade.

They opted not to pick up a corner from last year's deep draft class until they took two project players - Jeremy Clark and Derrick Jones - in the sixth round. The coaching staff claimed to like the upside of these players along with Juston Burris and Darryl Roberts as well as Rashard Robinson, who was added via trade at the deadline.

Mayfield confident he can thrive in NYC: 'I live for a big moment'

The Heisman Trophy winner interviewed with Jets at Senior Bowl

The 2017 Heisman Trophy Award winner sat down with The Post's Steve Serby to talk about the prospect of playing in the Big Apple, and if he has what it takes to succeed in a market that isn't friendly to anyone.

Simply put: Mayfield loves the spotlight...

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Jets officially hire Jeremy Bates as OC/QB coach

Feb 14 | 4:30PM

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New York Jets quarterback coach Jeremy Bates during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets have officially announced the hiring of Jeremy Bates as offensive coordinator/QB Coach, and announced the hirings of Rick Dennison as offensive line coac/run game coordinator and Steve Jackson as assistant defensive backs coach.

"Jeremy is a talented coach who has a sound understanding of what it takes to build a successful offense," head coach Todd Bowles said in a press release. "Having spent last season with us, he offers continuity and has a good sense of what we need to do to improve. I look forward to him working together with our offensive coaches."

Which edge rushers could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 14 | 10:00AM

The Jets have been a team whose defense has been built around their interior linemen for a long time, but Muhammad Wilkerson's anticipated departure could be an opportunity to reinvent themselves by finding a difference-maker who can create constant pressure off the edge.

The Jets haven't really had an elite edge rusher since John Abraham, who was traded before the 2006 draft. They've tried drafting one high (Vernon Gholston), converting an interior lineman into one (Quinton Coples), and bringing in an established veteran (Jason Taylor). But none of these have been successful. None of their low-cost free agents, reclamation projects, or later draft picks have stepped up either.

Jets' front office poised to make key salary cap cuts

Nov 2, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan on the sidelines before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Jets are in position to be the kings of free agency, with potentially more salary cap room to spend than any team except for the Cleveland Browns. They are already projected to have about $75 million in salary cap space, and that's if they don't make another move.

When the free agency frenzy finally begins, the Jets figure to be at the center of the storm. And all eyes will be on how hard they go after the quarterback they so desperately need.

But they have a ton of salary cap space to spend in other areas, including maybe on the 24 players they have on their roster who are approaching free agency. Here's a look at all their free agents-to-be, and their prospects of returning or finding potential riches somewhere else around the league:

Which wide receivers could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 12 | 10:15AM

There are always plenty of receiver prospects who make an immediate impact as a rookie, even in the later rounds. However, the Jets haven't had much success in recent years despite selecting seven wideouts in the last four drafts.

While four of those seven are under contract for 2018 and a fifth -- restricted free agent Quincy Enunwa -- also figures to be back, the Jets got just 15 catches of production from that group in 2017.

Jimmy Garoppolo just became the NFL's highest paid player, even though he's only started seven NFL games and thrown 12 touchdown passes in four seasons. He reportedly agreed to a monster, five-year, $137.5 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers -- a record average of $27.5 million per season. That record will be very short-lived.

It's a simple fact of the NFL that the price of franchise quarterbacks only goes up, and in less than five weeks another one will be on the open market. And when Kirk Cousins officially becomes free on March 14 you can bet his deal will eclipse what Garoppolo just got...

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NFL.com three-round mock: Jets take Allen, Jones

Feb 10 | 11:40AM

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(Glenn Andrews)

In NFL.com's latest mock draft, Chad Reuter forecasted the first three rounds for all teams. With the Jets first selection at no. 6 overall, Reuter has them taking Wyoming QB Josh Allen.

The Jets take Allen over Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield, who fell to the Cardinals at no. 15. USC QB Sam Darnold went no. 1 to the Browns and UCLA QB Josh Rosen went no. 2 to the Giants.

Allen threw for 3,202 yards with 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his sophomore season. However, his production dropped this season to 1,812 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also suffered a shoulder injury, and was forced to miss the final two regular-season games this year...

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Which quarterbacks could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 9 | 9:30AM

Most of the draft discussions surrounding quarterback prospects have been focused on the consensus top five prospects: UCLA's Josh Rosen, USC's Sam Darnold, Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield, Wyoming's Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson from Louisville.

However, depending how the offseason goes, the Jets might end up in a situation where they're not in the market for one of the top prospects.

Jets sign Kacy Rodgers II -- son of DC Kacy Rodgers

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Kacy Rodgers never got a chance to play in the NFL before he turned to coaching. But now he might be able to give his son the shot that he never had.

The Jets will be signing Kacy Rodgers II, the son of their current defensive coordinator, according to his agent, David Canter. Rodgers II will join the Jets for their offseason program, at least, after two years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Rodgers II is a 6-2, 208-pound defensive back out of the University of Miami. In 2014 he was a tryout player at the Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp, but didn't stick. He then signed with the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos and spent a year on their practice squad before joining the Roughriders...

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Nick Mangold was considering running in GOP primary

Feb 8 | 3:16PM

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Former Jets C Nick Mangold was thinking about starting his political career, and running in his local GOP primary, according to Politico's Matt Friedman.

Mangold would've been running to replace the retiring Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, who represents the 11th District of New Jersey. Essex County Republican Chairman Al Barlas has spoken with Mangold, and he appears to be serious about running for the position.

Jets' offseason changes key if they wish to break Super Bowl drought

Another year has come and gone without the Jets winning the Super Bowl. Even the Philadelphia Eagles now have ended their forever Super Bowl drought. If you're counting, that's 49 straight Super Bowls that have been played without the Jets.

Which inside linebackers could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 6 | 9:30AM

Two years ago, the Jets drafted Darron Lee with their first pick, hoping to shore up one of their inside linebacker positions for the foreseeable future. Over the course of his first two seasons, he's been up and down, but he has retained an every-down role.

Last year, he struggled initially, then played the best football of his career in the middle of the season, only to regress down the stretch. However, there are no indications that the Jets intend to move on from Lee.

In his latest mock draft, Todd McShay changed his pick for the Jets, and has them taking Wyoming QB Josh Allen with the sixth overall pick.

McShay originally had New York taking LSU DE Arden Key. However, he had a change of heart as the Jets desperately need to find their franchise quarterback. But he warns not to forget about free agency, where GM Mike Maccagnan will have about $100 million to go after high-profile QB Kirk Cousins.

"Yes, it's a running theme -- this is another landing spot for Cousins," McShay writes. "If the Jets don't sign him in free agency, Allen makes a lot of sense if Mayfield is off the board. There is a significant drop-off in talent after the first four QBs in this draft, so the Jets need to make sure they grab one here. Allen had an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, showing off his arm and his mobility. There are still concerns about his accuracy and ability to make multidimensional throws consistently, but all the tools are there. And he has the prototypical QB build (6-foot-4 7/8, 237 pounds)."

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Should Jets consider trading for Nick Foles?

The Philadelphia Eagles would be absolutely crazy to get rid of Nick Foles now after he slayed the mighty Patriots, and was rightfully named the Super Bowl MVP. Yes, they have Carson Wentz, a legitimate MVP candidate, before he got hurt. And yes, Foles will likely be Wentz's backup again next season.

But didn't Foles just prove to everyone how valuable a backup quarterback on a contender really is?

Which Safeties could Jets target in NFL Draft?

By Bent | Feb 5 | 3:30PM

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(Jerome Miron)

In last year's draft, the Jets used their first two picks on safeties, and Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye started every game alongside one another in the secondary. Those starting roles seem settled for the next few years, but the Jets like to operate out of packages with three and even four safeties, so Todd Bowles may be keen to add some depth.

Last year, Rontez Miles and Terrance Brooks each saw regular playing time, often playing together as the Jets used a four-safety dime package in passing situations. Also, Doug Middleton, who missed the season due to injury, was expected to contribute. All three are now out of contract though, so the Jets may look to fortify their depth in the draft.

While it seems unlikely the Jets would select another safety with their top pick, Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick is a possible consideration due to his versatility. Could Fitzpatrick be like Jalen Ramsey -- a hybrid cornerback/safety who has developed into one of the league's better cornerbacks?

THE GAME

THE WEATHER

Thank goodness for domes! Outside the Super Bowl stadium the temperature won't even reach double digits, with a forecast high of 9 and a low of 0. Inside it'll be fine. Hopefully it'll be nice and toasty in front of your TV, too.

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Redskins considering franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins

Washington would look to trade Cousins if tag is set

Feb 4 | 9:41AM

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(Brad Mills)

With the Alex Smith trade complete, it appeared the Redskins were going to allow Kirk Cousins to look for his lucrative deal in free agency. Now, they could have a change of heart.

Washington is considering placing the franchise tag on Cousins just so they could trade him, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. The reasoning behind this decision would be for the Redskins to get back what they dished out in the trade with the Chiefs. So, instead of getting nothing in return by allowing the hottest free-agent commodity to walk, Washington is looking for something in return.

However, if they do make that decision to tag him, it comes with a lot of risk considering Cousins is allowed to make his own decision. First, he can wait as long as he wants to sign the franchise tag, which would have the Redskins biting their fingernails as they watch the $34.5 million stay on their books.

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Kevin Mawae not selected for Hall of Fame Class of 2018

Feb 3 | 11:28PM

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(Jim Brown)

Former Jets C Kevin Mawae was not among the players selected on Saturday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2018.

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Bill Parcells says he has no beef with the Jets

Feb 3 | 12:45PM

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Retired NFL football coach Bill Parcells chats with New York Mets manager Terry Collins, not pictured, before a spring training baseball game between the Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla., Friday, March 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

On Thursday night, ESPN aired their newest documentary "The Two Bills", which chronicled the relationship between Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. Most of the filming took place at MetLife Stadium, but both Bills refused a request to do an interview in the Jets locker room.

Belichick infamously left the Jets after one day as head coach and is the current head coach of division rival Patriots, so that was understandable. But why Parcells? Does he hold animosity towards the Jets?

Well, Parcells clarified that it was not that he has ill will towards the Jets, it was just time to go that day...

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Which free agent QBs should Jets pursue?

Feb 3 | 12:15PM

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Jets free agent QB options00:00:56

If the Jets decided to find a quarterback via free agency, which of these players would be the best choice?

George R.R. Martin thinks Belichick wouldn't have changed Jets fate

The 'Game of Thrones' writer is a lifelong Jets fan

Feb 2 | 8:00PM

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(David Butler II)

Winter was always coming for the Jets, even if Bill Belichick stayed in New York.

George R.R. Martin, writer of the famous HBO series "Game of Thrones," is a lifelong Jets fan, and he doesn't believe Belichick could have solved the team's problems back in 2000 when he was set to become the head coach before leaving last minute for the Patriots.

Don't get Martin wrong, though. The Jets would have likely had more success, but five Super Bowl titles is a lot to predict.

Matt Forte doesn't want his time in New York to come to an end in 2018.

The 32-year-old running back wants to stay with the Jets next season because he has some unfinished business. Forte finished 2017 on the IR in a season that saw his career lows in carries (103) and yards (381).

Bent, theJetsBlog.comFollow on Twitter: In the 2017 season, Jets tight ends combined to catch 68 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns, led by Austin Seferian-Jenkins. That was a huge improvement on the previous two years, where Jets tight ends had combined for just 26 catches for 268 yards and one touchdown. However, the only tight end still under contract for 2018 is Jordan Leggett, who didn't play in his rookie year due to knee issues. Clearly the Jets will need to make some moves.

They've already reached out to Seferian-Jenkins, although he reportedly turned down a modest two-year deal. Blocking specialist Eric Tomlinson could also be someone they seek to retain. While Leggett has potential, who could the Jets target in the draft that could compete for time and develop into a long-term contributor?

According to draft experts, the top-rated prospects heading into the scouting combine at the end of February include Oklahoma's Mark Andrews, South Dakota State's Dallas Goedert and Wisconsin's Troy Fumagalli...

Legendary Jets center Mawae hopes to get elected to HOF

Feb 2 | 9:40AM

NFL former player Kevin Mawae during the NFL players association press conference at the Super Bowl XLVI media center at the J.W. Marriott. (Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE)

Former Jets center Kevin Mawae will find out Saturday if he will be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

An eight-time Pro Bowler, Mawae is one of the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2018. Last year, he made it to the top 10 of the finalists, though only five were selected.

"Last year, it was unexpected, making the top 10. It was pretty special," Mawae said, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "If I don't make it this year, sure, I'd be a little disappointed, but it's an honor and privilege just to be on the list. It means I'm among the best 400 guys to ever put on a uniform."